3 December 2023 02:18 pm
Colombo, Dec. 3 (Daily Mirror) - The construction of the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo port which is currently in progress is to be completed by mid next year to commence operations.
The Ministry said the jetty planned for this terminal will be 1,400 metres long upon completion, allowing three mega ships to berth simultaneously.
While paying a special inspection visit to the construction site of the terminal, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said a total of US USD 585 million has been allocated for the development of the terminal through financial provisions by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
China Engineering and Access Engineering are the appointed construction contractors, he said.
"The ECT will feature 12 gantry cranes and 40 transfer cranes. The terminal's container yard area is estimated to be 75 hectares. Designed to handle 3 million containers annually, the ECT will operate as a semi-automated terminal, incorporating digital technology," Minister Silva said.
During the visit, the Minister highlighted the potential for the Port of Colombo to be recognized as one of the main ports in Asia.
He advocated for the establishment of a suitable process to position it as the hub port of Asia, attracting more ships to Colombo.